2018 Ponggal Day Message By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In Komtar, George Town, Penang On 14.1.2018.
Annual Allocation For Penang Hindu Endowment Board Increased From RM1.1 Millon To RM1.5 Million Beginning 2018.
The Penang state government wishes all Indians a 2018 Happy Ponggal Day. As we celebrate this harvest festival, we are reminded that to win the future, we must secure prosperity to all.
Prosperity can only be secured when everyone is given equal opportunity, committed investment in education to develop human talents, build up basic infrastructure, good governance without corruption to prevent monetary leakages, wastage and programs that benefit the public.
Penang is on the right path with strong growth in both the manufacturing and services sector last year with record arrivals of tourists and investments. There are more businesses and factories opening than closing, hotels recorded higher occupancy rates and Penang enjoys one the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 2%.
The Penang state government has also increased for 2018 the annual allocations of the Hindu Endowment Board from RM1.1 million to RM1.5 million. This will allow the Hindu Endowment Board to better manage its affairs, including the building at Macalister Road granted by the Penang state government to the Board, scholarships for bright and deserving students in Tamil primary schools.
Such an increase in funding is only possible due to the state government’s CAT governance of competency accountability and transparency. CAT governance has allowed the state government to record annual budget surpluses without fail since 2008, increased cash reserves by more than 100% and reduced our state debts by a record 90%.
Let us make 2018 a prosperous and bountiful year for all.
LIM GUAN ENG
—-Mandarin —
槟城首长于2018年1月14日发表印度丰收节（Ponggol Day）献词：
槟城兴都基金会年度拨款自2018年开始，从110万令吉增加至150万令吉
槟州政府祝贺全体印度同胞印度丰收节快乐。我们在庆祝这个丰收节之余，我们要记得，唯有每个人都丰衣足食的时候，我们才能赢得未来。
当每个人都拥有同等机会、投资在教育栽培人才、兴建基本设施、没有贪污的施政以杜绝钱财浪费、并推行有利于民的计划。
去年前来槟城的游客和投资额破记录，这证明槟城在制造业及服务业的稳健成长走对了路。前来槟城设立公司和工厂的投资者，多过关闭工厂的数字。酒店的入住率也上升，槟城也是全马其中一个失业率（2%）最低的州属。
槟州政府也增加了槟城兴都基金会的年度拨款，2018年的拨款从以往的110万令吉增加至150万令吉。这将让兴都基金会可以更好地运作，包括管理它位于中路、由槟州政府拨出的建筑物、发出奖学金给淡小的优秀生。
我们可以增加拨款，是由于槟州政府推行能干、公信、透明施政原则才办得到。能干、公信、透明施政原则让州政府自2008年开始每年都有预算盈余。也让槟州的储备金增加100%、债务锐减90%。
让我们期许一个丰盛及富足的2018年。
林冠英